Luminespib (AUY922)

A novel intravenous Hsp90 inhibitor with the potential to target a range of cancers, discovered during a research collaboration with Novartis. Vernalis regained the rights to luminespib (AUY922) in December 2014 following Novartis' decision to cease all development work. Vernalis is now actively looking to partner the programme.

Clinical applications of luminespib (AUY922)

Data from an ongoing lung cancer trial using single agent luminespib (AUY922) was recently presented at the World Conference in Lung Cancer in Denver and the principal investigators at MGH in Boston are very excited to have seen a 32% PR rate and 74% DCR in these heavily pre-treated patients for whom there are very limited treatment options.

Licensing luminespib (AUY922)

The partner will take luminespib (AUY922) forward into a registrational trial in a subset of lung cancer patients with a molecularly defined mutation in EGFR which does not respond to current 2nd or 3rd generation TKIs or immuno-oncology drugs. This is a rare opportunity with a very well defined patient population and a clear and rapid route to market.

There are other oncology indications that can be considered however we believe that the fastest route to market is in the specific subset of mEGFR patients in NSCLC.

To express an interest in discussing the potential licensing of this programme, please email corpcomm@vernalis.com